Wow, it must suck to be a Texas A&M fan today.
As Texas kicker Justin Tucker’s field goal drifted through the uprights last night to give the Texas Longhorns a 27-25 win, that was the ultimate story in an epic finish – for now – to the Texas-Texas A&M rivalry.
The Aggies (6-6, 4-5) are bolting the Big 12 next year due in large part to their exasperation with their detested in-state rivals. This was their chance to give the Longhorns (7-4, 4-4) a delicious serving of “kiss my ass” on their way out the door to the SEC.
And A&M blew it – a familiar outcome for the Aggies in their Big 12 swansong and one that could seal the fate of coach Mike Sherman.
Looking at the box score, how Texas won this game is damn near inexplicable. The Aggies outgained UT in total yardage, 328-237. They nearly doubled Texas in first downs, 22 to 12. The ‘Horns went three and out on eight of their 19 drives, including their first five possessions of the game.
All in all, the Longhorns offense was as inept as its defense was strong. A&M handed the ‘Horns a bevy of opportunities, however, and Texas capitalized. A fumbled punt by the Aggies in the second quarter resulted in a 41-yard touchdown reverse pass from Texas receiver Jaxon Shipley to tight end Blaine Irby. UT defensive back Carrington Byndom took an interception off of A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill 58 yards for a touchdown in third quarter. An 81-yard punt return in the third quarter by Quandre Diggs resulted in a field goal. Another Tannehill interception in the third yielded a 24-yard TD drive for Texas. Finally, a borderline personal foul call on A&M helped put Texas in position for Tucker’s game-winning kick.
(Of course, Tannehill might be the biggest winner of anyone out on that field last night.)
No, Texas didn’t so much steal this game as the Aggies handed it to them.
Lost in the euphoria of the dramatic win was the reality that UT remains a decidedly average football team. The defense has grown into the best in the Big 12 and one of the top units in the country, but it’s generous to call UT’s offense a work in progress. Although quarterback Case McCoy will go down in Texas lore for his gutsy play on the game-winning drive, he looked downright bad throughout the game. The running game worked on occasions, but was generally hamstrung by UT’s inability to throw the ball with any consistency.
Even so, Thanksgiving 2011 in the Lone Star State belonged to Texas, and with the annual game between these two programs coming to a close, it is likely to stay that way for a long time.
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